Our House in the CityBy Sofia Borges, Sven Ehmann, Robert Klanten (editors)

Our House in the City -
New Urban Homes and Architecture. Image courtesy
Gestalten

By Christopher William Reeves

Our House in the City is an explosion of stories, dreams
and strategies that showcase the best and brightest designs for
contemporary city living; city living that is undergoing a downtown
revival. For the established
architect, the interior designer, the inspiration hungry student,
the homeowner, the renter, the trendy young professional and the
mother of three, this book is a slice of escapism documenting the
best examples of innovative and fresh solutions to modern day city
living. From the master plan to the multifunctional cupboard there
are endless and proven takes on how to improve your own personal
wedge of urban space.

Some say urban living is undergoing something of a revolution, a
revolution that is slowly unraveling the suburbanization movement
fueled by the aspirations of the masses since the 1950s. In recent
years however, citizens have begun to reverse this trend, rejecting
the sprawl, the traffic jams and packed trains; slowly and surely
life has trickled back into the formerly neglected and crumbling
downtown districts of our ever-densifying cities. A rejuvenation of
city living is being realized, and some of those lucky enough to
have the opportunity to build their dream 'urban nest' are featured
in 'Our House in the City'.

Our House in the City -
New Urban Homes and Architecture. Image courtesy
Gestalten

Urban Dwelling Revival

From the outset Our House in the City proves its worth in
demonstrating novel solutions to complex city living. Studio
Velocity's MontBlanc House is a shining example of clever design
and collaboration between resident and architect. The peaked house
demonstrates how the home and workplace can be successfully merged.
In true 'Gestalten' style the reader is readily informed of the
story, motivations, aims, challenges and solutions behind the site
design. Short and sweet, this story of how and why the build looks
and functions as it does is supplemented with beautiful photography
and informative floor plans and briefings. One is not left swimming
through a sea of detail but intrigued and informed about the urban
designs at hand. This process is repeated across the 38-featured
buildings, from Japan to Vietnam, the UK to Australia, urban
renewal looks good!

Structured in no particular order the reader is free to roam the
various designs. Whether the buildings are jammed between
residential structures, in districts awaiting renewal or extensions
of former industrial sites, the designs show there is no perfect
urban location, yet their existance shows that there are solutions
available that turn standard or limited space into a personalized
home.

Our House in the City -
New Urban Homes and Architecture. Image courtesy
Gestalten

Our House in the City -
New Urban Homes and Architecture. Image courtesy
Gestalten

House, House by Andrew Maynard
Architects is a prime example of such personalization. Two
generations of one family have adapted their home against the
Australian tradition of wide and low design to create two separate
and flexible forms that adapt to the complex moods of their
occupants. Such is the kitchen counter that extends through the
rear glass wall, enabling outdoor living…inside! Mirrors are
strategically placed to create light illusions, obscuring room
boundaries to create flexible living areas, whilst automated
louvers reflect sunlight from the glass roof, regulating shading
and climate control as the user desires.